Happy Mothers Day

I spent the last two mother’s days being sad and kind of angry over the loss of my mother (who is still alive for those of you just joining in). Last year, I likened Mother’s Day for me to being single on Valentine’s Day. It’s so easy to feel sorry for yourself, isn’t it?

But, in an upcoming KayShay Code post, Rule #5 — spoiler alert – is on finding gratitude. I could write a book about that here, but I’ll save it for the manifesto. Instead, I will put my rule into practice by finding every way possible to love and be thankful for mothers everywhere. Because mother’s day is most certainly not solely about me and my mother, it’s about many other things that I can be grateful for and gain perspective by considering.

Happy Mother’s day to me (and G)! I am a mommy – to my dog Levi. And right now, since she is visiting for the weekend, I am being a mommy to my god-dog Lola as well. Indeed, being a dog mom is much easier than being the mom of a mini person – the complexities are far fewer. A walk per day, a fight to brush teeth a few times a week, a bath/haircut once a month, and a lot of couch cuddling is all I need to keep Levi happy and healthy. He is crate trained, so if I leave for work for the whole day he happily lounges without the need for babysitting. He loves me unconditionally, is always enthusiastic to see me, and never talks back. He never talks at all, actually, unless someone rings the doorbell. My introverted self likes the quiet.

Happy Mother’s day to all of my dear friends who are moms. You have the hardest job on the planet –birthing (or adopting!), nurturing, teaching, challenging, and shaping our future population. I can’t even wrap my head around such a thing, but I thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and wish you the best of luck.

Happy Mother’s day to all of the women in my life who care for me like a mother. I have been so fortunate to meet so many strong successful women who, honestly, help fill the void my own mother has left in my life. I have work moms, gym moms, friend’s moms, and a fantastic mother-in-law who all treat me like their own, offer to bring me soup when I’m sick, hug me when I’m feeling down, and give me great advice. I must have started throwing off some kind of sad-orphaned-girl scent a few years ago because the resurgence of mother figures in my life totally skyrocketed. I have never felt so loved in my life. Ever.

In light of these facts– that I am a mom, that I know so many amazing moms, and that I have so many wonderful moms… there is no room for sadness or anger over what was or should be. I can only see what is and could be, and I am filled with gratitude, love, and joy.